In Brief

Pair held after robbery

TWO 18-year-old men were arrested Monday night following a convenience-store holdup.

Winnipeg police said a store in the 900 block of Elizabeth Road was held up at 9:40 p.m. by a man who threatened the clerk with bear spray.

The suspect fled with cigarettes and other merchandise. He discharged the bear spray as he fled but no one was hurt.

Patrolling police, along with the police canine unit and tactical squad, responded to a call for assistance and two males were found nearby and taken into custody.

Cell stolen, charge laid

A 21-year-old man suspected of taking a cellphone from a Winnipeg Transit rider in March was arrested late Monday afternoon.

Winnipeg police said a suspect had been identified in the March 23 incident on a bus. A 26-year-old man had been listening to music on his cellphone when another passenger grabbed the phone and ran off the bus near Main Street and Kilbride Avenue.

As a result of a continued investigation, police located the suspect shortly after 5 p.m. in the 800 block of Winnipeg Avenue and he was taken into custody. He is charged with one count of robbery.

Street-racing targeted

Bill 23 would increase the impoundment period for vehicles used in street racing to seven days from 48 hours.

Police officers would be given the power to immediately suspend the driver's licence of anyone caught street racing. The one-week driver's-licence suspension would help police stop street racers from putting others on the road at risk, Swan said.

He said the changes complement Bill 21, introduced last week, which would ensure convicted drivers could have their vehicles impounded if they do not follow the rules of the ignition-interlock program.

Under existing legislation, street racers may face fines of up to $5,000 and driver's licence suspensions of up to one year. Serious street-racing incidents can result in criminal charges, jail time and vehicle forfeiture.

Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis said he was pleased to support stronger sanctions against illegal driving.